The German company Helsing has announced that production of the HX-2 kamikaze drones has begun. Thousands of them are expected to be sent to Ukraine. According to the company, these drones are equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), which makes them resistant to electronic warfare, and can be used in mass flocks or swarms.
What do we know about the HX-2?
The HX-2 is an electrically powered drone with an X-shaped configuration of the main wing and tail.
According to Helsing, it weighs about 12 kilograms, reaches a maximum speed of 220 km/h and has a range of up to 100 kilometers. The drone can be equipped with multi-purpose warheads, as well as specialized warheads for attacking armored targets or infrastructure.
The company emphasizes that the HX-2’s artificial intelligence allows it to remain functional even in the face of hostile electronic interference. Through its AI, the drone can identify, re-identify and attack targets even without a signal or constant connection to an operator.
Despite its autonomy, critical decisions remain under the control of a human operator.
The HX-2 can also be integrated with other Helsing drones, allowing coordinated work in swarms controlled by a single operator.
The HX-2 is designed for mass production at a significantly lower cost than conventional systems, Helsing says. However, the company did not provide details on the price per unit. The first deliveries to Ukraine are expected to take place this month, with a total of about 4,000 drones planned for shipment.
The company claims that the technologies used in the HX-2 have already been developed and tested in Ukraine, with the core technology currently in use there.
The HX-2 offers significant tactical advantages for Ukrainian forces, including the ability to strike behind the front lines.
Electronic warfare techniques aim to neutralize drones in designated areas. This is done by jamming the connection between the operator and the machine. Drones with AI-based systems could provide an advantage, since they would theoretically not need this connection.
The increasing autonomy of weapons systems like the HX-2, however, raises ethical questions. Helsing emphasizes his commitment to ethical principles, stating that “the human remains part of the cycle of making all critical decisions.” Despite the risks, experts believe that we will increasingly see weapons with artificial intelligence.
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